Cowboys strength coach Markus Paul dies aged 54 - a day after suffering a 'medical emergency' before practice at team's facility
Dallas Cowboys strength coach Markus Paul died Wednesday, a day after being taken to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at the team's facility.
He was 54.
The team said the cause of death was pending, but it was not believed to be related to COVID-19.
Paul, born in Orlando, Florida, was in his third season with the Cowboys after previous being a strength and conditioning coach with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets and 12 seasons with the New York Giants.
Markus Paul has died at the age of 54, the NFL team have confirmed
Paul laughs with Tom Brady, then of the New England Patriots, in September 2002
Paul was part of five Super Bowl championships, three with the Patriots and two with the Giants.
The former NFL safety played for the Chicago Bears (1989-93) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993).
Paul had been at the Cowbody for three seasons
He played in 71 games with 17 starts over those five seasons. He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Syracuse, where he was an AP All-American as a senior in 1998.
'The loss of a family member is a tragedy, and Markus Paul was a loved and valued member of our family,' Dallas owner Jerry Jones said.
'He was a pleasant and calming influence in our strength room.'
The Cowboys canceled practice Tuesday after Paul was taken to the hospital.
The team practiced Wednesday, a day before its Thanksgiving game against Washington.
Cowboys players pictured preparing for practice at the team facility in Frisco, Texas
Paul was rushed from the Cowboys' practice facility in Frisco, Texas to the hospital on Tuesday
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who hired Paul to the head strength and conditioning position in January, described Paul as 'a leader' in the team.
'We extend our love, strength and support to Markus' family during this most challenging of times and ask that their privacy be respected moving forward,' McCarthy said.
'Markus Paul was a leader in this building. He earned the players' respect and attention because he cared so much and was a naturally gifted communicator – both on the personal and professional levels.
'He handled every situation, sometimes with a smile and a pat on the back, and sometimes with tough love. He had innate toughness in a job that requires that quality, and he was admired throughout the NFL by his peers and the players he coached.'
McCarthy said it was 'a privilege to work with him as a coach and laugh with him as a friend.'
He added: 'Markus did everything the right way.'
